Craig Pardy looks to run in upcoming provincial election

Craig Pardy, current mayor of George’s Brook-Milton, is throwing his hat into the ring to run as a PC candidate in the District of Bonavista in the upcoming provincial election.

Pardy released the news of his intention this week. The period for filing nomination papers for potential candidates opened for the Bonavista district on Thursday, Feb. 7. The period for accepting nominations ends on Saturday, Feb. 9 at noon.

Pardy was elected mayor of George’s Brook-Milton last spring, after the town was incorporated as the newest municipality in the province. Pardy served as chairman of the local service district committee for the community prior to it becoming a town.

Pardy, who is originally a Catalina native and has lived and worked from George’s Brook-Milton for decades, told The Packet he informed council of his decision to attempt a run at provincial politics.

He says, depending on the result of the nomination effort, he will likely have to take a leave from council on his path to seeking the provincial representation for the district.

“I desire to stay working with the group and we’ll see what next week brings,” said Pardy.

There will be a scheduled council meeting this Tuesday, at which time the matter will be addressed.

He adds that dealing with municipal politics for the past four or five years have piqued his interest in “broadening the perspective,” and trying for a post in provincial politics.

Liberal MHA Neil King is the current representative for the Bonavista district, having won the election in November 2015 over incumbent PC Glen Little.

The Packet will have more on local contenders for districts in the region as that information becomes available.